Chhay Theara* and his family relocated from the southeastern Cambodian province of Prey Veng to the country’s capital Phnom Penh in 2010. Chhay, who was just seven years old at the time joined ISF to study in grade 1. At the same time, Chhay also joined ISF’s Football Programme.

Theara, now 15 years old and about to start Grade 10 in state school, dreams of being a professional football player and an ISF football coach when he finishes school. He describes the AIA-ISF Youth League as one of the best things he has to invest his time in. For Theara, the league offers him a chance to experience joy, discover his passion and to socialise with his peers and friends.

After joining the league, Theara noticed improvements in his physical health and fitness as well as improvements in his time management skills and in his social skills. He currently trains 4 days a week for an hour and a half and enjoys the opportunity to exercise and see his friends. For Theara, the league makes all the training worthwhile and gives him the focus he needs to work hard and succeed.

In 2018, ISF’s inclusive Football Programme won the Asian Football Confederation’s Dream Asia Award and was also shortlisted for the Beyond Sport 2018 Sport for Health and Well-being Award for promoting and advancing the power of football to create positive social change in Cambodian society.

*Names of children under 18 years old have been changed.